About the
Michael C. Reilly Scholarship
Michael C. Reilly died tragically in the line of duty on August 27th, 2006 in a store fire in the Bronx, New York. A memorial scholarship has been created in his name to continue Mike’s legacy of helping others. The scholarship is awarded once a year to children or siblings of F.D.N.Y. members who exhibit excellent character through community involvement, volunteer work, and overcoming adversity.
“We wanted to help the people of an organization that gives all it has to the people of New York,” says Monica Reilly, Michael’s mother. “One of our main concerns when Michael became a firefighter was not only the danger involved--but also how he would ever afford to take care of a family. This scholarship will help firefighters do that.”
Funds for the scholarship were initially raised through the sale of memorial t-shirts. Now there is an annual 5K run and the money raised is split with the Lt. Howie Carpluk Fund, created for another firefighter who died at the same fire. The Reilly family continues to investigate other means of fundraising and might include additional events in the coming years.
A Note from Monica Reilly
Shortly after Mike’s death, we were approached by the members of Engine 75 / Ladder 33. Donations in Mike’s memory were coming into “Animal House”. The question was “what to do” with the donations, “what would Mike have wanted”?
Mike’s family, friends and fellow firefighters wished to honor his memory. After careful thought, we decided to establish a memorial scholarship in Mike’s name. Nobody wanted Mike to be forgotten and we knew he would want something positive to come out of something so tragic.
His father and I were acutely aware of some of the financial hardships endured by “New York's Bravest”. Mike had taken a tremendous cut in pay to go from Stratford, Connecticut Fire Department to the FDNY – his dream job -- and through the years had very quietly supported various causes relating to families and children of firefighters.
Having had Mike and his sister attend college, and with his younger brother on his way, Michael and I felt that the establishment of a memorial scholarship would be what Mike would have wanted. We knew all about the costs of sending a child on his or her way to higher education, and believed that for many families even “book money” could make a difference. Every little bit helps, every dollar counts.
The decision was made – the “Michael C. Reilly Memorial Scholarship” was established, with a tremendous amount of support and assistance from friends, family, and the Fire Department.
“The Michael C. Reilly Memorial Scholarship will award funds to the children or siblings of active duty, retired or deceased members of the Fire Department of the City of New York. The recipients will be about to enter, or attending, an accredited college or university and the money awarded will help defray the cost of tuition and related educational expenses.” It is the only scholarship that includes siblings.
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of a dedicated group, and the generous support of many, the scholarship fund has grown. It is rapidly approaching $100,000. Hopefully it will continue to grow through various fund raising events, private and corporate donations. Through careful management and investment we anticipate being able to offer financial awards for some time to come.
The Michael C. Reilly Scholarship Fund anticipates making its first awards late in spring 2008.
The Michael C. Reilly Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a non-profit, charitable, tax-exempt organization in accordance with IRS Code 501(c) (3).
Our heartfelt thanks go to all who have helped establish this fund, who have worked tirelessly to make our vision come true, and to those who have contributed financially and in many other ways. It would not have happened without you.
In Mike’s words “Leave everything a little better than you found it”. We think we are.
Monica Reilly
“May the dreams you hold dearest be those that come true”